It would be a waste of time really. 3.55's sound like the route you should reall take. I know you were interested in my old 3.31's but I am not sure if it would be worth the effort to be honest. That is of course if they would even work. Not sure what rear end you have.

 

looks like i got some research to do
does anyone know where i can find a calculator for the rear end

 

http://www.4lo.com/calc/gearratio.htm

That's what I used to get those numbers - I used 31" for tire size and 0.8 for 5th gear ratio. Yes, I used 3.55 for diff ratio. You have to put in the transfer case ratio to make the calc work, with 2wd use 1:1.

Let's analyze this - the lower you go (higher number) the easier it will be on your clutch to get the thing moving with a load. I'd say a practical rev limit on the I6 is about 4000 rpm, any higher will just make more noise than power. With 3.55's, you can be in 5th doing 100 mph and be turning just over 3000 rpm. I doubt your gas mileage will be any worse with 3.55's than with 2.73's. Considering you have a friend who can do the work, you might want to look at getting a new gearset and install kit - they are not that expensive, it's the labor that adds up. If your area of CA gets snow and ice and/or you offroad or drive in the mud, consider limited slip.

Let's look at a "normal" highway cruising speed of 70 mph in 5th - RPM's with 2.73's are 1650, with 3.55's 2150, with 4.10's 2500.

If you put 4.10's in there, you will prolly be starting it in 2nd when you aren't loaded - 1st will be very short.

 

GLC your a saint..........
thanks so much that is exactily what i needeed to know
i think i will do the 3.55's (sorry dewalt17 for not gettin the 3.31's)
and instead of a whole new rear end i will just get the gears
also how about posi, or a locker for the ice and snow vs lim-slip

thanks glc i owe you one
Brice

 

well i did some callin around and i got this

parts list...for the 3.55
ring & pinnion
bareings
axel seals
crush sleve
and wheel seals... only $189.64
good deal or could i do better off the net??
and did i forget anything??

 

I think a stock Ford limited slip would be plenty good. Lockers are too nasty for in town street driving.

Never done a rear - I don't know offhand what parts you should get besides the gearset (and limited slip clutch pack) or what the going prices are. Might want to dig through some threads in the "other powertrain" forum.

 

what is a lim-slip???

 

ill sell you a rebuilt e40d 750.. about 5000 miles on it. Scrappin the old truck for my 96

 

what its that???????????

 

well guys thanks for now iam movin to OTHER POWERTRAIN i will reply when i get done (and i could post some pics now thanks to jbrew)


thanks all will buy you all a beer someday


BRICE